Iran’s IRGC says ship sank after striking mine in Strait of Hormuz; US disputes account

Conflicting accounts of sinking

Iran’s IRGC said a ship sank after hitting a mine in the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official said Iran’s explanation was false and alleged that Iran attacked the vessel, likely using a missile.

The accounts do not agree on what caused the ship to sink. The information provided does not identify the ship or give further details about the incident.

Reported incidents in the strait

The reported attacks provide regional context for the competing claims over the ship. No additional details about those 20 incidents were included.

Wider regional fighting

President Donald Trump announced “major combat operations” against Iran on Feb. 28. U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted military, government and infrastructure sites, according to the report. Fighting in Yemen between the Iranian-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces has intensified in recent weeks. The Houthis have also launched strikes on Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia said King Khalid airport in Riyadh had been attacked 20 times this month.

At least two people were killed and others injured when ballistic missiles struck the Yemeni presidential palace in Aden, according to Yemen’s information minister and a government spokesperson. They said Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and government ministers were unharmed after four missiles hit the palace.